Some call him Elminster the Damned.
To others, he is Elminster the Doomed.
Many believe he has died, and is now a roaming ghost—or that
fell wizards borrow his name to drench it in blame for their villainies.
Others believe he lives still, a man both mad and evil, and have
taken up the cry “Elminster must die!”
(Elminster usually counts himself as part of that last group.)

The Year of the Ageless One had brought early and warm spring to Shadowdale, an endless parade of short but drenching rains with muggy days between.

---

So begins Elminster Must Die!, the debut 4th Edition appearance of the famed Sage of Shadowdale. As a preview of the forthcoming novel, we're pleased to offer the following Realmslore—courtesy of Ed Greenwood himself—teasing each chapter (including each chapter's opening line).

Look for further Realmslore in the following weeks, leading up to Elminster Must Die!'s August 3rd release (just in time for Gen Con).

Chapter One

Dark Decisions

One thing’s certain, in any sudden skirmish.
Before all the shouting and swords-out,
In secret, there’ve been some dark decisions.

Markuld Amryntur,
Twenty Summers a Dragon:
One Soldier’s Tale
published in the Year of the
Splendors Burning

The wardrobe was a cursedly tight fit.

---

Chapter Two

Another Bold Night in Brave Cormyr

So sing out songs and have no fear,
The wine is bright with much good cheer,
Lasses laugh as jacks jest and jeer,
It’s another bold night in brave Cormyr!

from the ballad
Another Bold Night in Brave Cormyr
composed by Andrur Hallowstake
bard of Wheloon
in the Year of the Halls Unhaunted

“Hold! What was that?”

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Chapter Three

Spelldoom and Blood-Drenched Battle

So the dark time beyond bitter threats comes at last?
Well, I never did think I’d grow old beside a hearthfire,
So lead me out to where the slaughter will rage,
And start the spelldoom and blood-drenched battle!

said by Rorstal the Mage
in Act III, Scene V of the play
The Harrowing of House Drauth
anonymously chapbook published
in the Year of the Splendors Burning

Shuldroon’s only answer was another sneer, as the ring of men closed in.

---

Chapter Four

Traitors Behind Every Door

Yet one thing I know full well, lord,
And will tell thee and all ears the world over:
This is a fell house, and a foul one;
There are traitors behind every door.

said by Ryaun the Lion-Tamer
in Act I, Scene III of the play
Too Many Skulls Underfoot
anonymously chapbook published
in the Year of Seven Sisters

The room was small and round. It was also dark, stale, and very dusty. Hardly surprising, being as it hadn’t been used for years. Until now.

---

Chapter Five

Overheard and Spied Upon

My Lord Bereth, if I may in one thing warn you true,
There is not a stinking jakes in all this great castle,
No proud chamber, nor yet the rudest, breakneck back stair,
Where one will not be overheard and spied upon.

said by Arskrel the Old Guardsword
in Act II, Scene II of the play
The Fall of the Proud House
by Darindral Haeleth, Bard,
published in chapbook form
in the Year of Three Heroes United

Wild terror had seized Elminster the moment he summoned his wits to begin casting the guise of Elgorn Rhauligan on himself: the madness.

---

Chapter Six

A Chalice, Much Blood, and a Masked Princess

Dark dreams torment me, wizard!
Nightmares of a crown, a chalice, much blood,
And a masked princess
Can it all be born, think you, of something I ate?

said by Nargreth the Doomed King
in Act I, Scene V of the play
The Fall of the Proud House
by Darindral Haeleth, Bard,
published in chapbook form
in the Year of Three Heroes United

“I know not why the Open Feast’s held on the score-and-sixth night of Mirtul, lass,” Lord Parespur Bloodbright said testily, jerking at her arm to drag her attention back to him.

---

Chapter Seven

Nobles, Shadows, and Deadly Doings

Curse it all, wizard!
When did this fair realm of mine
Become what it now is?
All nobles, shadows, and deadly doings,
With no one even pausing for naps between their villainies.

said by Nargreth the Doomed King
in Act I, Scene I of the play
The Fall of the Proud House
by Darindral Haeleth, Bard,
published in chapbook form
in the Year of Three Heroes United

“But what of Baron Boldtree?”